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Head to head

Portugal vs Taiwan: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Portugal has the lower entry bar: €3,680 per month versus €4,400 for Taiwan.
  • Taiwan grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 24), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Portugal — standard resident taxation; Taiwan — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Portugal D8 and the Taiwan Gold Card.
Criteria Portugal D8 Taiwan Gold Card
Minimum income / month €3,680 (better) €4,400
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 2 years 3 years (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Yes Yes
Path to citizenship Yes Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Special tax regime (Tax incentives for foreign special professionals (Art. 20, Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals))
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required in practice
Insurance duration required Not specified Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €110 (better) ≈ €157
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country Online, Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 8.6 weeks 4–12 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Portugal D8 →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Taiwan Gold Card →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Portugal → Insurance for Taiwan →

Sources